LTU and NRD Provide Flood Reduction Project Update

LTU and NRD Provide Flood Reduction Project Update

Published on August 22, 2024

Lincoln Transportation and Utilities (LTU) and the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) today announced an updated plan for the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project designed to reduce costs and mitigate potential flood risk for the community.

The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project is expected to remove an estimated 480 homes, businesses, and other structures out of the floodplain. The project will provide flood protection for residences near North 33rd, North 48th, along with Holdrege Street, Leighton Avenue, and Huntington Avenue.

Liz Elliott, LTU Director, said the project was originally proposed and led by the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and expected to cost $25.5 million. USACE planned to invest $10 million and the City and LPSNRD planned to split $15.5 million for the project.

Elliott said that due to increased design costs, material prices, and rising interest rates, the original cost of the project would have needed to more than double to $60 million to keep the original plan. Under the updated plan, USACE is no longer involved in the project, and the City and LPSNRD will fund the project by splitting costs evenly.

The updated plan reduces the total cost of the project from $60 million to an estimated $26 million while continuing to remove nearly 500 structures out of the floodplain as planned, Elliott said.

"We are not widening the channel as much as originally planned, and instead investing in detention basins to help manage flood risks. This new plan removes the need to construct an additional two bridges, ultimately reducing the overall cost of the project," Elliott said.

"This project will enhance safety and security for residents and businesses for decades to come. We reviewed the Deadman's Run Feasibility Report and determined a path forward that will offer the same flood mitigation benefits and save an estimated $34 million in additional costs," Elliott said. "The City's portion of the project will be funded with 2019 Stormwater Bonds plus an estimated $3 million from the upcoming 2024 proposed Stormwater Bond."

Aspects of the updated project include detention basins, channel widening, and replacement of the 33rd Street bridge. The project is in coordination with the Railroad Transportation Safety District's 33rd and Cornhusker Highway Viaduct Intersection Improvement Project that is expected to improve travel efficiency and safety in the area.

LPSNRD Manager Mike Sousek said the LPSNRD and the City will continue to work with Houston Engineering and WSP on the project.

"By hiring local engineering firms, we are able to review and update the plan that fits our needs and timetable while we work towards reducing the potential for flood damage in northeast Lincoln," Sousek said.

Elliott said additional community engagement opportunities will be planned in the future to gather input and answer questions related to the updated plan.

For more information on the Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project, visit lincoln.ne.gov/DeadmansRun or lpsnrd.org/projects/major-projects/deadmans-run-flood-reduction-project.

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